Artwork

The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb

The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb, by Anthony van Dyck, oil, 1618
The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb, by Anthony van Dyck, oil, 1618

The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Anthony van Dyck. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Created by Anthony van Dyck in 1618, the painting presents a scene where the young John is the central figure interacting with the setting.

The work depicts the Child Saint John the Baptist, accompanied by a fountain, within a religious context. Created by Anthony van Dyck in 1618, the painting presents a scene where the young John is the central figure interacting with the setting. The inclusion of the fountain alongside the child saint suggests a specific iconographic program related to the Baptist's role, though the title provided in other records mentions the Christ Child and a Lamb. The composition is classified as religious art, focusing on the spiritual significance of the figures portrayed.

Technique & Style

Created in 1618, this religious work by Anthony van Dyck is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The composition measures 131 cm in height and 75 cm in width. Stylistically, the painting depicts the Christ Child alongside Saint John and a lamb, set against a backdrop that includes a fountain. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid.

History & Provenance

The painting was created in 1618 by Anthony van Dyck for Ferdinand VII of Spain, who later owned it. It has been part of the collection at the Museo del Prado in Madrid since entering the royal collection, where it remains on display in the Royal Palace of Madrid.

The painting is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. It was previously owned by Ferdinand VII of Spain. The provided sources do not contain specific inventory numbers or a record of exhibition history for this work.

Overview

Created in 1618 by the young Anthony van Dyck, this oil painting presents a tender encounter between two children, identified as the Christ Child and the infant Saint John the Baptist, accompanied by a lamb. The work belongs to the Flemish Baroque period and is currently part of the Museo del Prado’s collection.

Context

The work exemplifies the early Flemish Baroque interest in devotional subjects rendered with naturalistic detail. Its intimate scale and focus on infant saints align with contemporary Counter‑Reformation aims to present sacred narratives in a relatable, humanized manner.

Child Jesus and St. John the Baptist
Child Jesus and St. John the Baptist

Artist & collection

Portrait of Anthony van Dyck

Artist

Anthony van Dyck

Sir Anthony van Dyck (; Dutch: Antoon van Dijck; 22 March 1599 – 9 December 1641) was a Flemish Baroque artist, who became the leading court painter in England after success in the Spanish Netherlands and Italy.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb?

The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb was painted by Anthony van Dyck in 1618-01-01.

Where can I see The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb?

The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb?

The Christ Child, Saint John and the Lamb is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.